Attachment for straightening eyeglasses and for holding devices or fashionwear

ABSTRACT

A one-piece eyeglass temple arm attachment that provides for straightening (i.e., leveling) of eyeglasses relative to a wearer&#39;s eyes. The invention relates to straightening eyeglasses relative to the eyeglass wearer&#39;s eyes necessitated by asymmetries of the wearer&#39;s ears relative to their eyes, or by other weight or height imbalances that create eyeglass crookedness relative to the wearer&#39;s eyes. The invention also provides the means for holding and/or shielding small devices or fashionwear. The invention is adjustable by the wearer, requires no tools, will not damage eyeglass frames (e.g., no heat or bending required), and is easily attached to or removed from an eyeglass temple arm. The invention can be manufactured from biocompatible polymers, and is washable, comfortable, and waterproof. The invention can be attached anywhere along an eyeglass temple arm in both conspicuous and inconspicuous locations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit ofprovisional patent application 62/710,058, having a filing or 371(c)date of Feb. 7, 2018.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The field of this invention relates generally to an attachment forprescription or nonprescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, drivingglasses, surgical loupe glasses, safety glasses, smart eyeglasses orsunglasses (collectively: eyeglasses, or glasses). More specifically,the field of this invention relates to an eyeglass temple arm attachmentthat provides a smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment forstraightening eyeglasses so that the eyeglasses are level relative to aperson's eyes. Asymmetric height adjustment refers to the extension ofthe intrinsic eyeglass temple arm thickness on one of the eyeglasstemple arms, and smoothly variable refers to height adjustment that isnot required to be in pre-determined or distinct steps. The field ofthis invention also relates to an attachment which provides the meansfor holding and/or shielding small devices or fashionwear on theeyeglass temple arm.

By some estimates, over half of the population has asymmetric (i.e.,uneven) ears relative to their eyes. The medical term for uneven ears isauricular dystopia. This condition can be explained in geometric termsas: the plane of a person's eyes is not parallel to the plane of theperson's ears. This asymmetry can cause a pair of eyeglasses to appearcrooked on the wearer's face relative to their eyes.

According to a large, established U.S. council on vision, over 64% ofU.S. adults wear eyeglasses for vision correction (from “US OpticalOverview and Outlook, December 2015” by The Vision Council, athttps://www.thevisioncouncil.org/sites/default/files/Q415-Topline-Overview-Presentation-Stats-with-Notes-FINAL.PDF.)Additionally, many other people wear eyeglasses for non-correctivereasons (e.g., sunglasses, driving glasses.)

Since both the occurrence of uneven ears and the wearing of eyeglassesare very common, the combination of these two conditions (people withuneven ears who also wear eyeglasses) is also very common. The verycommon condition of uneven ears makes eyeglasses—which are generallymanufactured only for perfectly even ears—crooked on the face of thewearer, since eyeglass temple arms rest on the ears.

Aside from auricular dystopia, other weight or height imbalances cancause eyeglass crookedness relative to the wearer's eyes. Weightimbalance may also be caused by prescription differences between theright lens and the left lens. The usage of smart eyeglasses andassociated devices or components attached thereto, for example, andother devices or fashionwear attached to eyeglasses can also create aweight imbalance causing eyeglasses to be crooked on the user's face.Devices worn on one side of the eyeglasses that may cause a weightimbalance include, but are not limited to, audio/visual electroniccomponents, smart eyeglasses devices or components, personalidentification component(s), recording devices, lights, loupes, visualaids, hearing aids, and global positioning or tracking component(s.)These types of devices are becoming more and more common as technologyadvances. All these scenarios would benefit from a means forasymmetrically straightening eyeglasses.

Crooked eyeglasses may also be caused by a device placed over or underan eyeglass temple arm, but not attached to an eyeglass temple arm.These unattached devices include, but are not limited to, hearing aidsand audio devices.

Importantly, if eyeglasses are crooked on the wearer's face, then theeyeglass lenses are not level with the wearer's eyes and are likely notproviding the eyeglass fit that the eyeglass professional originallyintended. This is because the intended fit is typically based oneyeglasses which fit straight relative to the wearers' eyes (i.e., planeof the eyeglasses are parallel to the plane of the eyes.)

These are a few reasons why a simple attachment to asymmetricallystraighten eyeglasses is a widely- and increasingly-needed invention.

Description of Related Art

Besides plastic surgery to correct for auricular dystopia, one currentmore common solution for crooked glasses is to heat and then bend one ofthe eyeglass temple arms, or simply to bend one of the eyeglass templearms without heating it first. For simplicity, both these methods arereferred to herein as the “heat and bend method.” This heat and bendmethod is currently recommended by online eyeglass sellers, as well asopticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists, likely because no bettermethods or product-based solutions are currently commercially available.Consequently, since more and more people are buying eyeglasses online,this heat and bend method is now more and more often performed by laypeople, rather than by opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists.

Often, eyeglasses which are initially adjusted correctly and levelrelative to a wearer's eyes by an eyeglass professional shift out ofproper height adjustment. This may occur after frames or eyeglass templearms are accidentally bent, or when they return from their correctlyadjusted position to their manufactured position due to the “memory” ofthe eyeglass frame material. Eyeglass frame material is often designedto have “memory” so that the frames return to their manufactured shapeif they are accidentally bumped or dropped. The user may not have theresources or patience to continually bring or send the eyeglasses backfor re-adjustment by their eyeglass professional.

The heat and bend method poses a significant risk of damaging orbreaking the eyeglass temple arm or hinge, especially when donerepeatedly; and the risk exists whether the heat and bend method is doneby a lay person or by an optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.Therefore, the wearer may not want to heat and bend the temple at all,either by oneself or by a professional, because the wearer may not wantto risk breakage.

Despite the widespread and frequent use of the heat and bend method tostraighten eyeglasses on a wearer's face, the heat and bend method hasseveral major drawbacks, including: (a) it is unreliable since differentframe materials respond differently to heating and bending, (b) it mustoften be repeated since the eyeglass temple arm material tends to goback to its manufactured position, sometimes very quickly; and (c) itposes a significant risk of damaging or breaking the eyeglass temple armor its hinge, resulting in a time-consuming and costly problem.

Attachments to eyeglasses are typically applied to the nose pads,nosepieces, eyeglass temple arms, or eyeglass temple curves (part of theeyeglass temple arms.) These current attachments generally focus only onincreasing the stability or retention of eyeglasses; and not on eyeglassstraightening, holding and shielding for small devices, or on holdingfashionwear. These attachments can also be large and bulky, altering theoriginal fit and feel of the eyeglasses. Eyeglass temple arm attachmentssuch as these are marketed and sold in pairs to be used on both temples,and both of the paired attachments are the same size, thereforepresuming symmetry with respect to the eyeglass wearer's anatomy. Thesetypes of eyeglass attachments are used as appendages or augmentations toboth eyeglass temples, and they are used as “once-on” attachments thatare meant to stay in place once attached to the eyeglasses. Hence,subsequent or routine adjustment is difficult with these eyeglassattachments, and the design features required for an eyeglassstraightening attachment that is easily attached, adjusted andmanipulated by an eyeglass wearer are not enabled by their designs.These designs are also not adaptable to variable height adjustment foreyeglass straightening, nor are they meant to hold and/or shield smalldevices and fashionwear. Clearly, a novel and optimal approach tostraightening eyeglasses is needed that closely maintains the originalproperly-adjusted fit and feel of the eyeglasses, while providing theeyeglass wearer the means to adjust their eyeglasses for uneven ears.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

This invention has several objects that address the problems anddeficiencies within the field of this invention:

An object of this invention is to provide a simple-to-use andeasy-to-adjust means for smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustmentof one eyeglass temple arm, relative to the second eyeglass temple arm,to straighten the eyeglasses relative to the wearer's eyes. Thisinvention's smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment(s)facilitates eyeglass straightening, even given the multitude of wearers'unique anatomies and the multitude of eyeglass temple arm shapes andsizes available.

Another object of this invention is to provide the means toasymmetrically straighten eyeglasses that appear crooked relative to thewearer's eyes due to eyeglass weight imbalance. Weight imbalance may bedue to corrective lens differences between the right lens and the leftlens. Also, attachment of a device or fashionwear to just one side ofeyeglasses may cause a weight imbalance that causes the eyeglasses to becrooked on the wearer's face. These devices include but are not limitedto, audio/visual electronic components, smart eyeglasses devices orcomponents, personal identification component(s), recording devices,lights, loupes, visual aids, hearing aids, and global positioningcomponent(s.)

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an eyeglass templearm attachment that is easily attached to, detached from, and movablealong an eyeglass temple arm, without requiring the use of tools oralteration of the eyeglass temple arm.

A further object of this invention is to provide asymmetric heightadjustment using a single one-piece elastic component that can beattached to nearly any eyeglass temple arm, irrespective of the eyeglasstemple arm size or geometry.

Another object of this invention is to provide comfortable eyeglasstemple arm thickness extension that maintains the original fit and feelof the eyeglasses, especially as it relates to the width of the eyeglasstemple arm.

A further object of the invention is to provide eyeglass straighteningwhen used in combination with other eyeglass attachments that are onlydesigned to provide stability or retention.

Another object of the invention is to use an elastomeric biocompatiblepolymer material, at least on the skin contact portions, so that it maybe worn under normal conditions of use without causing a significantdegree of toxicity, skin irritation, or allergic reaction.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide the means to leveleyeglasses relative to a wearer's eyes that does not mechanically alteror damage the eyeglass temple arm, or involve heating, bending, orheating and bending.

An additional object of the invention is to provide variable heightadjustment from a layered structure. For example, the invention can becomprised of peel-off layers or a self-adhesive material that may beadded or subtracted from the invention thus providing variable heightadjustment.

Another object of the invention is overlappability, whereby two or moreone-piece inventions, or components, may be nested together and attachedto an eyeglass temple arm, providing the means to achieve increasingasymmetric height adjustments.

Another object of this invention is to provide for holding and/orshielding small devices or fashionwear. Small devices include, but arenot limited to, communication electronics, batteries, audio/visualelectronic components, smart eyeglasses devices or components, personalidentification component(s), recording devices, lights, loupes, visualaids, hearing aids, and global positioning component(s.) Fashionwearincludes, but is not limited to, artwork, jewelry, stones, jewels,perfume diffusers, logos and trademarks, The small device(s) orfashionwear may be held by or within the eyeglass attachment, the smalldevice(s) or fashionwear may be securely hung from the eyeglassattachment (rather than hanging on the eyeglass temple arm itself), orthe small device(s) or fashionwear may be part of the eyeglassattachment itself by embedding, embossing, debossing, pasting, orotherwise adorning directly on the invention.

A further object of this invention is to provide the means to hold,protect and substantially isolate small device(s) or fashionwear fromenvironmental elements such as rain, chemicals, facial lotions andperspiration; yet the small device(s) or fashionwear are also easilyremoved from the invention.

An additional object of this invention is to provide the means toprotect a wearer from electromagnetic radiation, magnetism orelectricity generated by the small device(s). In particular, theinvention's material may be inherently electrically, electromagneticallyor magnetically shielding, or may be coated or impregnated withelectrically, electromagnetically or magnetically shielding material.

Another object of this invention is to provide flexibility in placementalong the eyeglass temple arm. The eyeglass attachment can be placedcloser to the eyeglass lens frame along the eyeglass temple arm (forconspicuous placement on the eyeglass temple arm) or can be placedfarther back along the eyeglass temple arm toward the temple curve,behind the hair, for example (for less conspicuous placement on theeyeglass temple arm.) Inconspicuous placement allows the wearer toconceal recording devices, for example.

A further object of the invention is a multi-component attachmentcomprised of two or more overlapped one-piece inventions to provide themeans to hold at least one small device, at least one fashionweararticle, or combinations thereof between the two or more overlappedinventions.

Terminology Used to Describe the Invention

A brief summary of some of the terminology used to describe theinvention is provided below. These terms are further explained incontext throughout this disclosure.

Displace/displaces/displacement/displaceable—Refers to the movement ofthe elastic middle segment away from the eyeglass temple arm.

Ear bridge—The boney, curved, uppermost portion of the back part of theear which connects to the head (onto which the eyeglass temple armnormally rests.)

Ear hook(s)—Part of the eyeglass temple arm, when present, that curvesdownward behind the ear. May also be referred to as the temple curve.The ear hook is understood to be included when referring to the eyeglasstemple arm.

Elastic, elastomeric—Refers to a material property characterized by theability to elongate, stretch or deform without failing (e.g., tearing orbreaking) and then substantially return to an original size and shape.

Eyeglass(es)—A device that comprises an eyeglass lens frame, lenses, andeyeglass temple arms including, but not limited to, prescriptioneyeglasses, nonprescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, drivingglasses, surgical loupe glasses, safety glasses, and sunglasses. In thefield of this invention, eyeglasses are also sometimes referred to asglasses, spectacles, bifocals, trifocals, specs, shades and cheaters.

Elastic middle segment—The central part of the invention located (i.e.,disposed) between the first elastic end segment and second elastic endsegment. The elastic middle segment may be solid or comprise at leastone open cavity.

Fashionwear—Includes, but is not limited to, artwork, jewelry, stones,jewels, perfume diffusers, logos and trademarks.

First elastic end segment—The part of the invention located closest(proximal) to the eyeglass lens frame when attached to the eyeglasstemple arm. It comprises a passageway that provides the means forattachment of the invention to the eyeglass temple arm. Operably, thefirst elastic end segment and second elastic end segment areinterchangeable, since “first” refers to the first elastic end segmentthat is attached to the eyeglass temple arm, but either elastic endsegment can be attached to the eyeglass temple arm first.

Graspable tab—An optional part of the elastic end segments of theinvention that facilitates attaching the invention onto the eyeglasstemple arm, or moving the invention along the eyeglass temple arm.

Intrinsic—Refers to the original, unaltered dimensions of an eyeglasstemple arm. For example, intrinsic eyeglass temple arm thickness is thethickness of an eyeglass temple arm in its original manufactured statehaving no thickness extension.

Isolate—Refers to the ability of an open cavity in the elastic middlesegment to protect and envelope small device(s) or fashionwear.

Longitudinal axis length—Refers to the length dimension of elasticmiddle segment of the invention prior to eyeglass attachment ordeformation.

Movably grips—Refers to the elastic end segments of the invention thatcan grip an eyeglass temple arm and are also moveable along the eyeglasstemple arm.

Non-enclosing—Refers to a preferred embodiment of the invention whereinthe elastic middle segment does not wrap around, encircle or surroundthe eyeglass temple arm in part or in whole. As per the non-enclosingembodiment, the elastic middle segment is contiguous or contactable withthe lower surface of the eyeglass temple arm only, and not with theeyeglass temple arm sides.

One-piece—Refers to the invention that consists of a single body, andnot multiple, physically separable parts.

Open cavity—A pocket, void or hollow section within the elastic middlesegment of the invention that is openly accessible. The open cavity canreceive and protectively hold small devices or fashionwear. The openingwhich provides access to the open cavity in the elastic middle segmentcan be on any surface of the elastic middle segment. An open cavity mayalso allow inventions to overlap because the elastic middle segment ofone invention can fit, or nest, inside the open cavity present in theelastic middle segment of another invention.

Passageway—Refers to a conduit, hole, opening, or channel in the elasticend segments of the invention. The cross section of the passageway canhave any geometry.

Second elastic end segment—The part of the invention that is locatedfarthest (distal) from the eyeglass lens frame when attached to theeyeglass temple arm. It comprises a passageway that provides the meansfor attachment of the invention to the eyeglass temple arm.

Segment—Refers descriptively to regions, areas, portions, parts, zonesor sections of the invention's one-piece body, and not physicallyseparable components of the invention.

Small device—Includes, but is not limited to, communication electronics,batteries, audio/visual electronic components, smart eyeglasses devicesor components, personal identification components, recording devices,lights, loupes, visual aids, hearing aids, and global positioningcomponents.

Smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment—Refers to changing theheight of one eyeglass temple arm to straighten eyeglasses. Asymmetricheight adjustment refers to the extension of the intrinsic eyeglasstemple arm thickness on one of the eyeglass temple arms, and smoothlyvariable refers to height adjustment that is not required to be inpre-determined or distinct steps.

Solid—Generally refers to a volume of material that is substantiallycontinuous and does not comprise any intentionally formed or moldedpocket(s), void(s) or hollow section(s.)

Straighten/straightening—Refers to leveling eyeglasses relative to awearer's eyes, so that the eyeglasses appear symmetric on the wearer'sface relative to the wearer's eyes. Leveling and straightening aresynonymous in the context of this invention.

Surround—Refers primarily to the passageways of the first and secondelastic end segments that attach to and circumferentially wrap around orencircle an eyeglass temple arm.

Temple arm—The part of eyeglasses that is connected to the lens frameand that rests on a wearer's ear bridge.

Temple curve—Part of the eyeglass temple arm, when present, that curvesdownward behind the ear. May also be referred to as the ear hook. In thecontext of this invention, the temple curve is understood to be includedwhen referring to the eyeglass temple arm.

Thickness (of eyeglass temple arm)—Eyeglass temple arm thickness refersto the “vertical” dimension of the eyeglass temple arm when eyeglassesare worn.

Thickness extension—Refers to extension of the intrinsic eyeglass templearm thickness between the eyeglass temple arm and the eyeglass wearer'sear bridge.

Wettable surface—Any surface of the invention that would become wettedwhen submerged in water.

Width (of eyeglass temple arm)—Eyeglass temple arm width refers to the“horizontal” dimension of the eyeglass temple arm when eyeglasses areworn.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to leveling (i.e., straightening) eyeglassesrelative to the eyeglass wearer's eyes necessitated by asymmetries ofthe wearer's ears relative to their eyes, or by other weight or heightimbalances that create eyeglass crookedness relative to the wearer'seyes. Functionally, this invention extends the intrinsic eyeglass templearm thickness, thereby raising the height of that eyeglass temple arm asit rests on the wearer's ear bridge while maintaining the original fitand feel of the eyeglasses.

The invention is a one-piece attachment comprised of three segments: (a)a first elastic end segment, (b) a second elastic end segment, and (c)an elastic middle segment. The two elastic end segments attach theinvention to an eyeglass temple arm. The elastic middle segment may besolid or may comprise at least one open cavity, and may have a variationin thickness along its longitudinal axis length.

This invention provides the means to straighten eyeglasses relative tothe eyeglass wearer's eyes by several embodiments, each of which allowsmoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment of the eyeglasses.Without the invention in place, an eyeglass temple arm, having anintrinsic thickness, rests on the ear bridge with no means to adjust theheight of the eyeglass temple arm relative to the wearer's ear bridge.This invention's smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment(s) isnovel since it provides a simple means to attain a range of heightadjustments that can straighten eyeglasses relative to an eyeglasswearer's eyes.

The passageways in each of the two elastic end segments attach theinvention to an eyeglass temple arm and easily stretch to accommodatethe eyeglass temple arm shape while securely holding the invention inplace at various positions along the eyeglass temple arm. No specialtools are required to attach the invention to an eyeglass temple arm, nospecial tools are required to adjust the invention along the eyeglasstemple arm after its attachment to the eyeglass temple arm, and nospecial tools are required to detach the invention from the eyeglasstemple arm. The invention will not damage or deform an eyeglass templearm, and does not involve heating or bending the eyeglass temple arm orframe.

The elastic middle segment is designed to be displaceable away from theeyeglass temple arm and is therefore independent of the eyeglass templearm. The elastic middle segment is further designed so that it canadjustably displace away from the eyeglass temple arm to providesmoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment.

A preferred embodiment is an elastic middle segment that isnon-enclosing to the eyeglass temple arm, so that the elastic middlesegment does not receive, couple with or even partially surround theeyeglass temple arm, and therefore can be used with an eyeglass templearm having any size or shape. However, the elastic middle segment cansubstantially conform to the contour or shape of the eyeglass temple armdue to its flexibility, and the elastic middle segment of the inventionis contactable with only the lower eyeglass temple arm surface (not theeyeglass temple arm sides) in this preferred embodiment.

The elastic middle segment, disposed between the two elastic endsegments, provides the means for adjustable thickness extension of aneyeglass temple arm's intrinsic thickness which then straightens theeyeglasses relative to the wearer's eyes. The invention providessmoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment of eyeglasses by twomodes: (1) the variation in thickness of the elastic middle segmentalong its longitudinal axis length, and (2) the adjustable displacementof the elastic middle segment away from the eyeglass temple arm. Both ofthese modes provide the means for adjustable thickness extension of theintrinsic eyeglass temple arm thickness, thereby adjusting the lift ofthe eyeglass temple arm off of the wearer's ear bridge.

For example, when the invention is used in the “nominal” position, theinvention lifts one of the eyeglass temple arms by the elastic middlesegment's thickness disposed between the eyeglass temple arm and thewearer's ear bridge, thus providing a height adjustment that issubstantially due to the variation in thickness along the longitudinalaxis length of the elastic middle segment that is disposed between theeyeglass temple arm and the eyeglass wearer's ear bridge.

By pulling the two elastic end segments of the invention farther apartalong the eyeglass temple arm, however, the invention's elastic middlesegment adjustably displaces farther away from the eyeglass temple armrelative to its “nominal” position. In this “stretch” position, theeyeglass temple arm is lifted off of the ear bridge by the thickness ofelastic middle segment plus the gap between the chord formed by theelastic middle segment and the eyeglass temple arm.

Further, by moving the two elastic end segments of the invention closertogether along the eyeglass temple arm, the invention's elastic middlesegment adjustably deforms forming a “bulge” shape. In this “bulge”position, the eyeglass temple arm is lifted off of the ear bridge by thethickness of elastic middle segment plus the bulge distance between theelastic middle segment and the eyeglass temple arm.

Both the stretch and bulge positions extend the intrinsic thickness ofthe eyeglass temple arm, thereby lifting that eyeglass temple arm off ofthe wearer's ear bridge. Both of these positions provide greatereyeglass temple arm thickness extension (i.e., height adjustment)compared to the nominal position whereby the eyeglass temple armthickness extension is only due to the elastic middle segment thicknessalong its longitudinal axis length.

The variability of the eyeglass temple arm thickness extension may alsobe achieved by using a structure that is layered. This embodiment of theinvention provides for additional self-adhering or “peel-off” layersadded to the elastic middle segment of the one-piece invention body thatcan add or remove varying thickness extension to the eyeglass templearm.

The eyeglass temple arm attachment provides a reliable means forsmoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment that does not requirespecial tools, does not involve bending the eyeglass frame or temple,and does not require heat. The preferred invention is comprised of anelastomeric biocompatible polymer material, at least on the skin contactportions, so that it may be worn under normal conditions of use withoutcausing a significant degree of toxicity, skin irritation, or allergicreaction. The preferred invention is also washable, comfortable to wear,waterproof and detachable.

The invention can have a surface texture on the wettable surfaces, canbe any color including clear, can be opaque or translucent, and cancontain embedded particles (e.g., “speckles”) or porosity (e.g.,bubbles.)

The invention's material of construction may further comprisestrengthening and/or stiffening agents (e.g., an embedded wire,particulates or fibers), as well as anti-microbial agents. Theinvention's material of construction may also be coated, impregnated orembedded with electrical, electromagnetic or magnetic shielding agents.

The two elastic end segments of the invention may also be constructed ofvarious geometries and features. For example, the two elastic endsegments of the invention can have graspable tabs that facilitate movingthe invention along the eyeglass temple arm when attaching to, detachingfrom and adjusting the relative positions of the two elastic endsegments along the eyeglass temple arm.

The invention also provides the means for receiving and protectivelyholding small devices or fashionwear so that they are substantiallyisolated from environmental elements such as rain, chemicals, faciallotions and perspiration. Small devices may include, but are not limitedto, communication electronics, batteries, audio/visual electroniccomponents, smart eyeglasses devices or components, personalidentification component(s), recording devices, lights, loupes, visualaids, hearing aids, and global positioning component(s.) Fashionwear mayinclude, but is not limited to, artwork, jewelry, stones, jewels,perfume diffusers, logos and trademarks. The substantial isolation ofsmall device(s) held by the invention also provides the means to shielda wearer from electromagnetic radiation, magnetism or electricitygenerated by a small device(s).

The invention's ease of placement along the eyeglass temple arm due tothe invention's elasticity and movable design allow the user to positionthe invention at either a conspicuous place (e.g., to hold fashionwear)or at a less conspicuous place such as substantially behind the wearer'sear (e.g., to hold a concealed recording device, or to asymmetricallystraighten the eyeglasses relative to the wearer's eyes.)

These and other advantages of the present invention will be understoodfrom the description of the preferred embodiments, taken with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates auricular dystopia, whereby the plane of a person'seyes are not parallel to the plane of the person's ears, due to unevenears. FIG. 1B illustrates eyeglass crookedness resulting from auriculardystopia, and FIG. 1C illustrates that this invention can straighteneyeglasses that were crooked due to auricular dystopia.

FIG. 2A is a drawing of a person wearing eyeglasses that are crooked dueto weight imbalance. FIG. 2B illustrates the same person havingweight-imbalanced eyeglasses after attaching the invention to straightenthe eyeglasses relative to the person's eyes.

FIG. 3A shows the various components of eyeglasses and the inventionattached to one eyeglass temple arm. FIG. 3B is a closer view of aninvention embodiment on the eyeglass temple arm, showing a sectional cutthrough both. FIG. 3C shows the cross section view of the invention onthe eyeglass temple arm.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention priorto attachment to an eyeglass temple arm, looking up toward the bottom ofthe invention, and FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of the invention attachedto an eyeglass temple arm and resting on the ear bridge of an eyeglasswearer.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show a top view and side view, respectively, of anembodiment of this invention comprising two elastic end segments and asolid elastic middle segment. FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D show a top view andside view, respectively, of an embodiment of this invention comprisingtwo elastic end segments and an elastic middle segment furthercomprising an open cavity.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B is a top view and side view, respectively, of anembodiment of this invention illustrating various configurations of theelastic end segments and elastic middle segment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention and itswettable surfaces.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of the invention attached to aneyeglass temple arm and resting on an eyeglass wearer's ear bridge in a“nominal” position. FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of the inventionattached to an eyeglass temple arm and resting on an eyeglass wearer'sear bridge in a “stretch” position. FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment ofthe invention attached to an eyeglass temple arm and resting on aneyeglass wearer's ear bridge in a “bulge” position.

FIG. 9 shows that one or more inventions can be attached to an eyeglasstemple arm at various conspicuous and inconspicuous positions.

FIG. 10A shows multiple inventions that may overlap or “nest” inside oneanother. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of overlapped inventions whenattached to an eyeglass temple arm, and in place on the wearer's ear.

FIG. 11 is a drawing depicting an embodiment of the invention whereinthe elastic middle segment of the invention comprises peel-off layers(i.e., layered structure) for height adjustment.

FIG. 12A is a drawing showing that small devices or fashionwear can beheld by an embodiment of the invention comprising an open cavity in theelastic middle segment. FIG. 12B illustrates that small devices orfashionwear can be held between two overlapping inventions. FIG. 12Cillustrates that small devices or fashionwear can be held, shielded, andphysically separated by overlapping inventions when the elastic middlesegments of the overlapping inventions comprise open cavities.

FIG. 13A is a drawing depicting how a small device or fashionwear can beheld by the invention, and FIG. 13B shows a logo embedded or inscribedin the invention.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14C are side views of an embodiment of the inventiondepicting dimensions. FIG. 14B is a cross sectional view of theinvention depicting dimensions. FIG. 14D is a perspective view of theinvention when attached to an eyeglass temple arm depicting dimensions.

FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D are examples of geometries forthe passageways of the invention.

FIG. 16A is a drawing showing that the passageways of the first elasticend segment and second elastic end segment can be formed perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the invention's one-piece body. FIG. 16B isa drawing showing that the passageways of the first elastic end segmentand second elastic end segment can be formed parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the invention's one-piece body.

FIG. 17A, FIG. 17B, FIG. 17C, and FIG. 17D are top views of inventionembodiments depicting that the elastic middle segment may comprise atleast one open cavity having various geometries.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   -   10—ear    -   11—ear bridge    -   15—eyeglasses (comprising 20, 22, 24, and 30)    -   20—eyeglass lens frame    -   22—the wearer's left lens of eyeglasses    -   24—the wearer's right lens of eyeglasses    -   30—eyeglass temple arm    -   35—curved part of eyeglass temple arm 30, also known as the “ear        hook” or “temple curve”    -   37—intrinsic thickness of an eyeglass temple arm    -   38—intrinsic width of an eyeglass temple arm    -   40—lower surface of eyeglass temple arm    -   41—side(s) of eyeglass temple arm    -   60—elastic middle segment feature enclosing eyeglass temple arm    -   90—plane of eyes    -   91—plane of ears (as measured at the ear bridges)    -   100—embodiment of invention    -   100 a—invention located in a conspicuous position on 30 proximal        to 20    -   100 b—invention located in a conspicuous position on 30    -   100 c—invention located in an inconspicuous position on 30    -   101—embodiment of invention with solid elastic middle segment        112    -   102, 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d—embodiments of invention wherein        the elastic middle segment 112 comprises at least one open        cavity 113    -   103—embodiment of invention wherein the elastic middle segment        112 comprises at least one open cavity 113.    -   104—embodiment of invention having an additional self-adhering        or “peel-off” layered structure included with the elastic middle        segment 112    -   110—elastic end segment of the invention    -   111—elastic end segment of the invention    -   112—elastic middle segment of the invention    -   113—open cavity in 112    -   120—graspable tab of 110    -   121—graspable tab of 111    -   130—passageway of 110    -   131—passageway of 111    -   151—embodiment of invention with solid elastic middle segment        112 (may be the same as or different from invention embodiment        101)    -   152—embodiment of invention wherein the elastic middle segment        112 comprises an open cavity 113 (may be the same as or        different from invention embodiment 102)    -   210—eyeglass temple arm thickness extension provided by        invention (nominal position)    -   220—eyeglass temple arm thickness extension provided by        invention (stretch position)    -   230—eyeglass temple arm thickness extension provided by        invention (bulge position)    -   240—eyeglass temple arm thickness extension provided by        overlapped inventions    -   250 a—first peel-off layer    -   250 b—second peel-off layer    -   250 c—third peel-off layer    -   400—small device or fashionwear held by invention embodiment 102    -   405—small device or fashionwear held by invention embodiment 152    -   410—small device or fashionwear held between two overlapping        invention embodiments 101 and 151    -   500—small device or fashionwear held by invention    -   501—loop or hook connecting small device or fashionwear to        invention    -   502—small device or fashionwear on elastic middle segment 112 of        invention    -   600—wettable surfaces of the invention    -   700—longitudinal axis of the one-piece body of the invention and        elastic middle segment 112    -   L—longitudinal axis length dimension of elastic middle segment        112 of the invention prior to eyeglass attachment or deformation    -   C1—first dimension of a passageways 130 and/or 131 prior to        attachment or deformation    -   C2—second dimension of a passageways 130 and/or 131 prior to        attachment or deformation    -   D1—depth of a passageway 130    -   D2—depth of passageway 131    -   T—the physical, or material, thickness dimension of the        invention's elastic middle segment 112 prior to any deformation        or stretching    -   W—the physical, or material, width dimension of the invention's        elastic middle segment 112 prior to any deformation or        stretching

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to leveling (i.e., straightening) eyeglassesrelative to the eyeglass wearer's eyes necessitated by asymmetries ofthe wearer's ears relative to their eyes, or by other weight or heightimbalances that create eyeglass crookedness relative to the wearer'seyes. This invention is an eyeglass temple arm attachment forstraightening eyeglasses by smoothly variable asymmetric heightadjustment (i.e., eyeglass temple arm thickness extension) that may alsobe used for receiving and protectively holding small devices orfashionwear. The invention can be used on either the left or righteyeglass temple arm for eyeglass straightening. Functionally, thisinvention extends the intrinsic eyeglass temple arm thickness, therebyraising the height of that eyeglass temple arm relative to the othereyeglass temple arm as it rests on the wearer's ear bridge. Theinvention can also have a width (i.e., the horizontal dimension of theinvention) that closely matches the intrinsic width of the eyeglasstemple arm, especially at the point where the invention rests on theeyeglass wearer's ear bridge, so as not to alter the original fit andfeel of the eyeglasses.

The invention is a one-piece attachment comprised of three segments: (a)a first elastic end segment that surrounds and movably grips an eyeglasstemple arm and that is proximal to the eyeglass lens frame, (b) a secondelastic end segment that surrounds and movably grips the same eyeglasstemple arm and that is distal to the eyeglass lens frame, and (c) anelastic middle segment that is displaceable away from the eyeglasstemple arm and disposed between the first elastic end segment and secondelastic end segment. The first elastic end segment and second elasticend segment are typically interchangeable functionally, and are referredto as “first” and “second” based on the order that the eyeglass wearerchooses to attach them to an eyeglass temple arm.

The first elastic end segment and second elastic end segment eachfurther comprise a passageway that provides the means for attachment ofthe invention to an eyeglass temple arm. The first elastic end segmentand second elastic end segment may further comprise graspable tabs tofacilitate movement or adjustment of the invention along the eyeglasstemple arm. The elastic middle segment of the invention may be solid ormay comprise at least one open cavity, and may have a variation inthickness along its longitudinal axis length.

One preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an elastic middlesegment that is non-enclosing to the eyeglass temple arm. As per thisembodiment, the elastic middle segment is contiguous or contactable withthe lower surface of the eyeglass temple arm only, and not with theeyeglass temple arm sides.

Accordingly, this invention embodiment is independent of the size orshape of the eyeglass temple arm since the elastic middle segment doesnot receive, couple with, or even partially surround the eyeglass templearm; while at the same time the flexibility of the elastic middlesegment allows it to substantially conform to the contour or shape ofthe eyeglass temple arm, especially when the embodiment is used in its“nominal” mode or position.

The elastic middle segment of the invention provides for smoothlyvariable asymmetric height adjustment of an eyeglass temple arm by twomodes: (1) the variation in thickness of the elastic middle segmentalong its longitudinal axis length, and (2) the adjustable displacementof the elastic middle segment away from the eyeglass temple arm causedby moving the two elastic end segments relative to each along theeyeglass temple arm. Both of these modes provide for smoothly variableasymmetric height adjustment by adjusting the thickness extension of theeyeglass temple arm which adjusts the lift of the eyeglass temple armoff of the eyeglass wearer's ear bridge.

The elastic end segments of the invention that surround the eyeglasstemple arm are movably adjustable along the eyeglass temple arm,allowing the eyeglass wearer to adjust the degree of asymmetric heightadjustment by the position of the invention along the eyeglass templearm, and also by the relative positions of the first elastic end segmentand second elastic end segment to each other along the eyeglass templearm.

The invention can be easily attached and detached from the eyeglasstemple arm without the use of tools, and will not damage or deform aneyeglass temple arm.

This invention provides the means for customized and fine-tunedasymmetric eyeglass height adjustment, even given the multitude ofwearers' unique anatomies and the multitude of eyeglass temple armshapes and sizes. This invention's smoothly variable asymmetric heightadjustment enables the eyeglass fit that the eyeglass professionaloriginally intended, since the intended fit is typically based oneyeglasses which fit straight relative to the wearers' eyes (i.e., planeof the eyeglasses are parallel to the plane of the eyes.)

FIG. 1A illustrates a person having uneven ears 10, whereby the plane ofthe eyes 90 is not parallel to the plane of the ears 91. As depicted inFIG. 1B, this asymmetry of the ears relative to an eyeglass wearer'seyes results in eyeglasses 15 that appear crooked on the wearer's face(i.e., “height imbalance.”) FIG. 1C illustrates how the invention(embodiment 100) provides asymmetric height adjustment for straighteningof the eyeglasses 15, necessitated by the wearer's uneven ears.

Wearing a device that is not attached to the eyeglasses, such as ahearing aid or audio device under just one side of the eyeglasses 15,may also cause eyeglass crookedness or “height imbalance.” For thesesituations, the invention would be placed on the lower eyeglass templearm, thus lifting up that eyeglass temple arm on the wearer's ear tostraighten the eyeglasses with respect to the wearer's eyes.

FIG. 2A illustrates a person wearing eyeglasses 15 that are crookedrelative to the plane of the person's eyes 90, resulting from a weightimbalance. A difference in prescription between left and right lenses(e.g., the eyeglass wearer's left lens 22 may be a stronger (heavier)prescription than the eyeglass wearer's right lens 24) is an examplecause of weight imbalance. For these situations, the invention (e.g.,embodiment 100) would be placed on the lower eyeglass temple arm ofeyeglasses 15, thus raising that side of the eyeglasses 15 up so thatthe eyeglasses 15 are parallel to the plane of the wearer's eyes 90 asdepicted in FIG. 2B. Similarly, wearing a device such as a loupe or asmall camera on just one side of the eyeglasses 15 may also cause aweight imbalance (i.e., making one side of the eyeglasses heavier thanthe other) that can be adjusted by this invention.

Referring to FIG. 3A, eyeglasses 15 consist of: the eyeglass lens frame20, left lens 22, right lens 24, and two eyeglass temple arms 30.Eyeglass temple bends 35 are also shown on FIG. 3A, but 35 is understoodto be a subpart of the eyeglass temple arm 30 and is included whenreferencing the eyeglass temple arm 30. Referring to FIG. 3A, inventionembodiment 100 is designed to be attachable to, movable along, anddetachable from the eyeglass temple arm 30, and can be attached toeither one of the eyeglass temple arms 30. The intrinsic thickness ofthe eyeglass temple arm 30 is denoted by 37, which may vary along thelength of the eyeglass temple arm. FIG. 3B is a closer view of inventionembodiment 100 on the eyeglass temple arm 30, showing a sectional cutthrough both. FIG. 3C is a cross section view of the eyeglass temple arm30 and the elastic middle section 112 of invention embodiment 100attached to the eyeglass temple arm. FIG. 3C illustrates that the widthW of the elastic middle segment 112 of the invention (e.g., embodiment100) can be the same as the intrinsic width 38 of the eyeglass templearm 30 where the invention is nearest to the eyeglass temple arm, andthe width may also vary or taper over its cross section as illustratedin FIG. 3C. (Note: W can refer to any width of the elastic middlesegment 112 along its length or thickness, and not just the widthnearest to the eyeglass temple arm.) An eyeglass temple arm also hassides 41 and a lower surface 40.

FIG. 4A shows invention embodiment 100 prior to attachment to aneyeglass temple arm (viewing from the bottom looking upward atembodiment 100 of the invention), and FIG. 4B shows invention embodiment100 attached to eyeglass temple arm 30, in place on wearer's ear bridge11 of ear 10.

Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, invention embodiment 100 is aone-piece attachment comprised of three segments: a first elastic endsegment 110 further comprising passageway 130 that surrounds and movablygrips the eyeglass temple arm, an elastic middle segment 112 that isdisplaceable from and non-enclosing to the eyeglass temple arm, and asecond elastic end segment 111 further comprising passageway 131 thatsurrounds and movably grips the eyeglass temple arm. First elastic endsegment 110 further comprises optional graspable tab 120; and secondelastic end segment 111 further comprises optional graspable tab 121.The elastic middle segment 112 is the region, area, portion, part, zoneor section of the invention defined as being between passageways 130 and131. Note that the term “segment” is used as a distinguishing descriptorfor regions along the invention and not as physically separatedcomponents of the invention since the invention is a one-pieceattachment. The passageways 130 and 131 of elastic end segments 110 and111, respectively, which surround and grip the eyeglass temple arm aremovably adjustable along the eyeglass temple arm and movably adjustablerelative to each other. The positions of the two elastic end segmentsrelative to each other along the eyeglass temple arm also adjustablydisplace the elastic middle segment of the invention away from theeyeglass temple arm, allowing the eyeglass wearer to smoothly vary theasymmetric height adjustment.

To attach the invention (e.g., embodiment 100 of FIG. 4A) to an eyeglasstemple arm, the eyeglass temple arm 30 is first fed through passageway130 of the first elastic end segment 110 and second, fed through thepassageway 131 of the second elastic end segment 111. Passageway 130 andpassageway 131 then surround and movably grip the eyeglass temple arm30. The elasticity of the invention's material comprising the firstelastic end segment 110 and second elastic end segment 111 allows thepassageways 130 and 131 to elongate and conform to the shape of theeyeglass temple arm 30 without tearing. Graspable tabs 120 and 121 ofthe invention (e.g., embodiment 100 of FIG. 4A), if present, may alsofacilitate its attachment to, and movement along, the eyeglass templearm 30.

Referring to FIG. 4B, invention embodiment 100 is then positioned (i.e.,moved) along the eyeglass temple arm 30 so that the elastic middlesegment 112 is disposed between the eyeglass wearer's ear bridge 11 andeyeglass temple arm 30, with the elastic segment 112 resting on theeyeglass wearer's ear bridge 11 of ear 10. The segments 110 and 111 gripthe eyeglass temple arm and will not slide back to the original positionwithout applying force. FIG. 4B shows invention embodiment 100 in place,as it would appear being used in the nominal position.

Although invention embodiment 100 in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is depictedwith a particular geometry for illustration purposes, it is understoodthat the non-enclosing (to the eyeglass temple arm) elastic middlesegment 112 of the invention can have a range of longitudinal axislengths, a variation in thickness along said longitudinal axis length,and a variation in width across said thickness to provide smoothlyvariable asymmetric height adjustment for a variety of eyeglass templesizes and geometries.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D depict invention embodiments 101and 102 prior to attachment to an eyeglass temple arm. FIG. 5A and FIG.5B are a top view and side view, respectively, of invention embodiment101 wherein the elastic middle segment 112 is solid. In the context ofthis invention, “solid” refers to a volume of material that issubstantially continuous and does not comprise any intentionally formedor molded pocket(s), void(s) or hollow section(s.)

FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D are a top view and side view, respectively, ofinvention embodiment 102 wherein the elastic middle segment 112comprises an open cavity 113. An open cavity in the context of thisinvention refers to pocket, void or hollow section that is openlyaccessible. These figures show the elastic end segments 110 and 111 thatcomprise passageways 130 and 131, respectively. Passageways 130 and 131provide the attachment means to the eyeglass temple arm 30 as shown inFIG. 4B, for example.

Invention embodiment 101 in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, and inventionembodiment 102 in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, also illustrate how theflexibility of elastic middle segment 112 may be varied. In particular,if there is no open cavity 113 in elastic middle segment 112 (FIG. 5Aand FIG. 5B), the flexibility of the elastic middle segment 112 can bevaried by varying the size and geometry of the elastic middle segment112, and also by varying the material used to construct the invention.If the elastic middle segment 112 has at least one open cavity 113 (FIG.5C and FIG. 5D), however, then the flexibility of elastic middle segment113 can be further varied by varying the size, geometry and number ofthe at least one open cavity 113. As will be described in subsequentinvention embodiments, the middle segment 112 may also provide for ameans to receive and protectively hold small devices or fashionwear.

One preferred feature of the invention further comprises graspable tabs120 and 121 as part of elastic end segments 110 and 111, respectively,as illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, and also in invention embodiments101 and 102 of FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D. Graspable tabs 120and 121 provide additional convenient means to attach the inventiononto, move the invention along, or detach the invention from, theeyeglass temple arm.

FIG. 6A (top view) and FIG. 6B (side view) is invention embodiment 103illustrating that various geometries and profiles for elastic segments110, 111, and 112 are contemplated for the invention. Numerous othergeometries and profiles of the invention when viewed from the side ortop are contemplated. The optional graspable tabs 120 and 121 depictedin FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B may have different geometries, sizes, or profilesto facilitate graspability. Passageways 130 and 131 may also havevarying geometries as depicted by invention embodiment 103 in FIG. 6Aand FIG. 6B. The depths of passageways 130 and 131, D1 and D2, may alsobe different as depicted by invention embodiment 103 of FIG. 6B (e.g.,in FIG. 6B, D1 is less than D2.) The depth of the passageways, which isessentially the thickness of the elastic end segments, is an importantnovel design feature of the invention which provides for the easymovement of the invention along the eyeglass temple arm. Further, asdepicted in FIG. 6A, the elastic end segments 110 and 111 may havedifferent sizes, geometries, and profiles from one another; and also maybe different sizes, geometries, and profiles from the elastic middlesegment 112. Although invention embodiment 103 in FIG. 6A depicts asingle open cavity 113 in elastic middle segment 112, it is contemplatedthat elastic middle segment 112 could comprise at least one open cavity113. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B also depict an elastic middle segment 112having an enclosing feature 60 that may partially enclose the eyeglasstemple arm when attached to the eyeglasses. When attached, this feature60 would extend upward and surround, or be contiguous with, the sides ofthe eyeglass temple arm.

Invention embodiment 101 is shown in perspective view in FIG. 7. For allembodiments of the invention, the wettable surfaces 600, as depicted oninvention embodiment 101 of FIG. 7, is not limited to any surfacefinish, contour, shape or geometry. A wettable surface is understood bythose skilled in the art to mean any surface that would become wet ifsubmerged in water. The wettable surfaces 600 of the inventionembodiments include the surface of passageways 130 and 131, surfaces ofthe first elastic end segment 110, surfaces of the second elastic endsegment 111, and surfaces of elastic middle segment 112. Although notdepicted in FIG. 7, it is understood that wettable surfaces 600 wouldalso include any interior surfaces of the at least one open cavity 113if present in elastic middle segment 112 (for example see FIG. 5C andFIG. 5D). It is contemplated that variations of the surface finish,contour, shape and geometry for wettable surfaces 600 of the inventionmay provide varying degrees of comfort to the eyeglass wearer, or mayprovide additional functionality. It is further contemplated thatvariations of the surface finish or contour for wettable surfaces 600may provide for varying degrees of retention for small devices orfashionwear, if the wearer uses the invention for receiving andprotectively holding small devices or fashionwear.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C are views of invention embodiment 100 atnominal, stretch and bulge positions, respectively, on an eyeglasstemple arm. FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C illustrate example means bywhich the invention can be used on an eyeglass temple arm to providevariable height adjustment corresponding to eyeglass temple armthickness extensions 210, 220, and 230, respectively, for an eyeglasstemple arm 30 relative to an eyeglass wearer's ear bridge 11. (Note thatan arrow points to elastic middle segment 112 in these figures, and itis understood that this refers to the entire elastic middle segment 112as in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D, for example.)

Without the invention in place, the eyeglass temple arm 30 havingintrinsic thickness 37 rests directly on the ear bridge. With theinvention attached to the eyeglass temple arm 30, however, the inventionrests on the wearer's ear bridge 11 with a thickness extension 210 (seeFIG. 8A), since the invention is positioned along the eyeglass templearm so as to be disposed between the eyeglass temple arm 30 and earbridge 11.

The design of this invention provides for smoothly variable asymmetricheight adjustment to straighten eyeglasses relative to the wearer's eyesdepending on the thickness of the elastic middle segment at the pointalong the longitudinal axis of the elastic middle segment between theeyeglass temple arm and the wearer's ear bridge. The variation inthickness of the elastic middle segment along its longitudinal axislength provides one mode for smoothly variable asymmetric heightadjustment, by moving both elastic end segments 110 and 111 in eitherdirection (depicted by the directional arrows in FIG. 8A) along theeyeglass temple arm. The lift of the eyeglass temple arm off of the earbridge is then adjustable depending on the thickness of the elasticmiddle segment 112 that is between the eyeglass temple arm 30 and earbridge 11.

The second mode for smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustmentrelates to moving the elastic ends segments 110 and 111 relative to eachother. This mode provides further adjustability of the thicknessextension by displacing the elastic middle segment 112 away from theeyeglass temple arm. FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C illustrate that by moving theelastic end segments 110 and 111 farther apart or closer together,respectively, greater thickness extension is achieved. FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B,and FIG. 8C are further explained by the first, second and thirdinvention embodiments described later herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates that a plurality of inventions (designated asinvention embodiments 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c) can be placed at anylocation along the eyeglass temple arm 30 of eyeglasses 15, providingfor both conspicuous and inconspicuous positioning along the eyeglasstemple arm. For example, invention embodiments 100 a and 100 b arelocated at more conspicuous positions, likely to hold fashionwear. Thepositions of invention embodiments 100 a and 100 b, which would be morevisible to another person, can also be used to display fashionwearincluding, but not limited to, artwork, jewelry, stones, jewels, perfumediffusers, logos and trademarks. The less conspicuous inventionembodiment 100 c is at a location along the eyeglass temple arm 30 whichis likely more hidden behind the ear and/or behind the wearer's hair.This position of invention embodiment 100 c can be used when theinvention is used for asymmetric height adjustment. The position of thisinvention embodiment 100 c on the eyeglass temple arm would also likelybe a chosen position to hold a device such as a hearing aid, audiorecording device or other small device that the wearer wishes not to bevisible.

Although FIG. 9 depicts three invention embodiments, 100 a, 100 b, and100 c, along the eyeglass temple arm 30, any number of inventions withinthe confines of the eyeglass temple arm 30 length may be placed on theeyeglass temple arm 30 and at any location(s). It is also contemplatedthat the one or more inventions attached to the eyeglass temple arm 30may be used for a plurality of functions. For example, on a singleeyeglass temple arm 30, one invention embodiment 100 a may be used tohold small devices, another invention embodiment 100 b may be used tohold fashionwear, and another invention embodiment 100 c may be used forasymmetric height adjustment. Numerous other combinations of inventionfunctions along the eyeglass temple arm are contemplated, includingoverlapping inventions.

The following are some further contemplated embodiments of the inventionfor illustration. It will be understood that these embodiments are notan exhaustive list, and that many variants, modifications andcombinations of the invention embodiments may be effected within thespirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

First Invention Embodiment

This embodiment of the invention, as depicted by FIG. 8A, refers to a“nominal” position for the invention. The elastic middle segment 112 ofthe invention (e.g., embodiment 100) can have a variation in thicknessand geometry along its longitudinal axis length. Depending on what partof the elastic middle segment 112 rests on the ear bridge 11, varyingdegrees of lift, or eyeglass temple arm thickness extension, arepossible. The eyeglass wearer can easily place any thickness of theelastic middle segment 112 between the eyeglass temple arm 30 and theirear bridge 11, by simply moving both elastic end segments 110 and 111 ofthe invention (e.g., embodiment 100 in FIG. 8A) slightly forward orbackward along the eyeglass temple arm 30. In this way, very fineadjustments to the eyeglass temple arm thickness extension can be easilyachieved. The eyeglass temple arm thickness extension is depicted bydistance 210 in FIG. 8A, which is the thickness of the elastic middlesegment 112 where the elastic middle segment 112 rests on the ear bridge11.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is for the elastic middlesegment to be non-enclosing to the eyeglass temple arm as depicted inFIG. 8A. This means that the elastic middle segment 112 is contiguous orcontactable with the lower surface of the eyeglass temple arm (40 inFIG. 3C) only, and not with the eyeglass temple arm sides (41 in FIG.3C.)

Although the elastic end segments 110 and 111 grip the eyeglass templearm 30, these elastic end segments are movable along the eyeglass templearm 30, enabling smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment of theeyeglasses corresponding to the variation in thickness and geometry ofthe elastic middle section 112 at the point of contact with the earbridge 11. It is also contemplated that the elastic middle segment 112of the invention (e.g., embodiment 100 of FIG. 8A) may comprise at leastone open cavity 113 as depicted in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, for example.

Second Invention Embodiment

A “stretch” position of the invention is depicted in FIG. 8B withinvention embodiment 100. By this invention embodiment, the firstelastic end segment 110 and second elastic end segment 111 of theinvention are moved farther apart along the eyeglass temple arm 30, sothat the elastic middle segment 112 of invention embodiment 100stretches and lifts, adjustably displacing away from the eyeglass templearm 30, and forming a “chord” shape across the two points on theeyeglass temple arm defined by where the two ends of the invention aregripping the eyeglass temple arm. The stretch position is particularlyuseful on an eyeglass temple arm in which the eyeglass temple arm 30 hasa curved section (i.e., temple curve, or “ear hook” 35). In this“stretch” position as shown in FIG. 8B, the eyeglass temple arm 30 islifted off of the wearer's ear bridge 11 by the thickness extensionconsisting of the thickness of elastic middle segment 112 of theinvention (e.g., dimension 210 of embodiment 100 in FIG. 8A) plus thegap between elastic middle segment 112 and the eyeglass temple arm 30defined by the chord shape. This “stretch position” thus providesgreater smoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment (depicted bydistance 220 in FIG. 8B) than does the nominal position (depicted bydistance 210 in FIG. 8A.)

Importantly, this invention embodiment provides for a smoothly variableasymmetric height adjustment which can be accomplished easily by thewearer: one simply moves first elastic end segment 110 and secondelastic end segment 111 away from each other along the eyeglass templearm to varying degrees, displacing the elastic middle segment 112 awayfrom the eyeglass temple arm until one achieves the desired eyeglassstraightening. Although the invention's elastic end segments 110 and 111surround and grip the eyeglass temple arm, the elastic end segments aremovable along the eyeglass temple arm 30: this allows for adjustabledisplacement of the elastic middle segment 112 away from an eyeglasstemple arm thus providing adjustable thickness extension of the eyeglasstemple arm. It is also contemplated that the elastic middle segment 112of the invention (e.g., embodiment 100 in FIG. 8B) may comprise at leastone open cavity 113 as depicted in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, for example.

Third Invention Embodiment

A “bulge” position of the invention is shown in FIG. 8C with inventionembodiment 100. By this invention embodiment, the elastic end segments110 and 111 of the invention are moved closer together along theeyeglass temple arm, so that the elastic middle segment 112 of theinvention adjustably displaces away from the eyeglass temple arm 30forming a “bulge” shape that rests on the wearer's ear bridge 11. Inthis “bulge” position as shown in FIG. 8C, the eyeglass temple arm 30 islifted from the ear bridge 11 by the thickness extension consisting ofthe thickness of elastic middle segment 112 of the invention (e.g.,dimension 210 of embodiment 100 in FIG. 8A) plus the gap between elasticmiddle segment 112 and the eyeglass temple arm 30 caused by the bulgingof elastic middle segment 112. This “bulge” position thus providesgreater height adjustment (depicted by distance 230 in FIG. 8C) thandoes the nominal position (depicted by distance 210 in FIG. 8A.)

This “bulge” position invention embodiment shown in FIG. 8C provides forsmoothly variable asymmetric height adjustment which can be easilyaccomplished by the wearer: one simply moves the elastic end segments110 and 111 closer together along the eyeglass temple arm to varyingdegrees, displacing the elastic middle segment 112 away from theeyeglass temple arm until one achieves the desired eyeglassstraightening. Although the invention's elastic end segments 110 and 111surround and grip the eyeglass temple arm, the elastic end segments aremovable along the eyeglass temple arm 30, which allows for adjustabledisplacement of the elastic middle segment 112 away from an eyeglasstemple arm as a bulge, thus providing adjustable thickness extension ofthe eyeglass temple arm. It is also contemplated that the elastic middlesegment 112 of the invention (e.g., embodiment 100 in FIG. 8C) maycomprise at least one open cavity 113 as depicted in FIG. 5C and FIG.5D, for example.

Fourth Invention Embodiment

Since the invention can be manufactured to have varying profiles (e.g.,different shapes and geometries) and sizes, and the invention isoverlappable, another embodiment of the invention is combining two ormore inventions to provide smoothly variable height adjustment. Thisprovides the wearer or eyeglass professional an even broader means forasymmetric height adjustment, especially for eyeglass wearers having ahigher degree of auricular dystopia. Accordingly, FIG. 10A and FIG. 10Billustrate this multi-component invention embodiment whereby inventionembodiments 102 (“first component”) and 152 (“second component”) areoverlapped. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, invention embodiment 102 may berelatively smaller than invention embodiment 152, although, eveninventions having the same size could be overlapped given theirelasticity. At least two overlapping invention embodiments 102 or 152are contemplated: a combination of two inventions are shown in FIGS. 10Aand 10B for illustration, however, it is contemplated that more than twoinventions could be overlapped to achieve the desired asymmetric heightadjustment. The overlapping inventions do not need to be identical. Inparticular, each of the overlapped inventions may have a different sizeand geometry, and the elastic middle segment 112 of invention embodiment102 and the elastic middle segment 112 of invention embodiment 152 mayeach comprise at least one open cavity 113.

Per the invention embodiment depicted by FIG. 10A, elastic middlesegment 112 of invention embodiment 102 can fit inside an open cavity113 in elastic middle segment 112 of a second invention embodiment 152.FIG. 10B shows the overlapped invention embodiments 102 and 152 whenattached to an eyeglass temple arm 30. In this invention embodiment, anadditive increase of the height adjustment between the ear bridge 11 ofear 10 and eyeglass temple arm 30 can be achieved relative to the heightadjustment possible using a single invention (e.g., see FIG. 8A,thickness extension 210) since the nominal height adjustment will be thecombination of the eyeglass temple arm thickness extension of segment112 of invention embodiment 102 plus the thickness extension of segment112 from invention embodiment 152, providing a total eyeglass temple armthickness extension depicted by distance 240 in FIG. 10B.

It is also contemplated that an invention embodiment comprising a solidelastic middle segment (e.g., invention embodiment 101 in FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B) could be overlapped with an invention embodiment comprising anelastic middle segment further comprising at least one open cavity 113(e.g., invention embodiment 102 of FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D); or at least twoinventions could be overlapped.

Fifth Invention Embodiment

In another embodiment of this invention, a layered structure thatprovides varying degrees of asymmetric height adjustment can be includedon the elastic middle segment 112 of the invention. Accordingly, FIG. 11depicts invention embodiment 104 wherein the elastic middle segment 112further comprises peel-off or self-adhesive layers 250 a, 250 b, and 250c. Per this embodiment of the invention, by peeling away material layersfrom, or adding material layers to, segment 112, the eyeglass temple armthickness extension provided by elastic middle segment 112 can bereduced or increased. This invention embodiment for variable heightadjustment thereby provides an adaptable means for adjustably extendingthe intrinsic thickness of eyeglass temple arm 30. Three layers of alayered structure are illustrated in FIG. 11, however, it iscontemplated that a plurality of layers may be used to provide smoothlyvariable asymmetric height adjustment.

Sixth Invention Embodiment

The invention may be used to receive and protectively hold a smalldevice or fashionwear depicted as 400, 405 and 410 in FIG. 12A, FIG.12B, and FIG. 12C. It is understood that 400, 405 and 410 can eachrepresent at least one small device or at least one fashionwear article,or a combination thereof (Note that an arrow points to elastic middlesegment 112 in these figures, and it is understood that this refers tothe entire elastic middle segment 112 as in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C,and FIG. 5D, for example.) Small devices include, but are not limitedto, communication electronics, batteries, audio/visual electroniccomponents, smart eyeglasses devices or components, personalidentification component(s), recording devices, lights, loupes, visualaids, hearing aids, and global positioning component(s.) Fashionwearincludes, but is not limited to, artwork, jewelry, stones, jewels,perfume diffusers, logos and trademarks. FIG. 12A shows a small deviceor fashionwear 400 placed inside an open cavity 113 in elastic middlesegment 112 of invention embodiment. The open cavity 113 of elasticmiddle segment 112 may receive and protectively hold a small device orfashionwear so that the small device or fashionwear are substantiallyisolated from environmental elements such as rain, chemicals, lotionsand perspiration. The open cavity 113 of elastic middle segment 112 ofinvention embodiment 102 holding a small device or fashionwear 400 canalso shield the wearer of invention embodiment 102 from electromagneticradiation, magnetism or electricity generated by a small device.

FIG. 12B shows another embodiment of this invention using overlappinginvention embodiments 101 and 151 that can hold a small device orfashionwear 410 between the solid elastic middle segment 112 ofinvention embodiment 101 and solid elastic middle segment 112 ofinvention embodiment 151, when attached to eyeglass temple arm 30. InFIG. 12B, invention embodiment 151 rests on the wearer's ear bridge 11,and is overlapping invention embodiment 101. Both inventions areattached to eyeglass temple arm 30. Invention embodiment 151 of FIG. 12Bmay be identical to invention embodiment 101, or invention embodiment151 may have a different size (e.g., longitudinal axis length) or have adifferent geometry than invention embodiment 101. Although bothinvention embodiments 101 and 151 comprise an elastic middle segment112, the specific geometry and size of the elastic middle segment 112for invention embodiment 101 may differ from the size and geometry ofthe middle segment 112 for invention embodiment 151.

FIG. 12C depicts overlapping invention embodiments 102 and 152 (also seeFIG. 10A and FIG. 10B,) further holding a small device or fashionwear400 and 405, respectively, when attached to an eyeglass temple arm 30.In FIG. 12C, invention embodiment 152 rests on the wearer's ear bridge11, and is overlapping invention embodiment 102. Both inventionembodiments are attached to eyeglass temple arm 30. Invention embodiment152 of FIG. 12C may be identical to invention embodiment 102, orinvention embodiment 152 may have a different size (e.g., longitudinalaxis length) or have a different geometry than invention embodiment 102.Small device or fashionwear 400 is held and substantially isolated by anopen cavity 113 (see detail in FIG. 10A) of elastic middle segment 112of invention embodiment 102, and small device or fashionwear 405 is heldand substantially isolated by an open cavity 113 (see detail in FIG.10A) of elastic middle segment 112 of invention embodiment 152. Thesmall device or fashionwear depicted by 400 and 405 are therebyphysically separated by the structure of elastic middle segment 112 ofinvention 102, and said physical separation can provide electromagneticradiation-, magnetism- or electricity-shielding between small device orfashionwear 400 and 405. Although both invention embodiments 102 and 152comprise an elastic middle segment 112 further comprising open cavity113 as illustrated by FIG. 10A, the specific geometry and size of theelastic middle segment 112 and open cavity 113 for invention embodiment102 may differ from the size and geometry of the middle segment 112 andopen cavity 113 for invention embodiment 152.

Seventh Invention Embodiment

The invention also provides a means to display or attach fashionwear ora small device depicted as 500 and 502 in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B,respectively. It is understood that 500 and 502 can each represent atleast one small device or at least one fashionwear article, or acombination thereof. FIG. 13A shows an alternate means by which afashionwear piece or small device 500 may held on the eyeglass templearm 30 by invention embodiment 100, by hanging from invention embodiment100 using attachment loop, or hook, 501. It is also contemplated thatsmall devices, artwork, jewelry, stones, jewels, perfume diffusers,logos and trademarks, or other fashionwear could also be embedded in,inscribed in, embossed on, glued on or otherwise placed on theinvention. For example, FIG. 13B illustrates a logo 502 embossed on theside of elastic middle segment 112 of invention embodiment 100 (however,502 could be any small device or fashionwear on elastic middle segment112.) The invention can be placed at different positions along theeyeglass temple arm 30 as depicted in FIG. 9. The invention comprises anelastic but strong material that allows the elastic end segments of theinvention to position the invention along the eyeglass temple arm 30,even with a small device or fashionwear attached. The invention locatedat conspicuous positions along the eyeglass temple arm 30, as depictedby invention embodiments 100 a and 100 b in FIG. 9 for example, may beused when the invention is used to hold fashionwear. This allows forfashionwear to be easily seen.

Additional Invention Embodiments

There are also other preferred embodiments of the invention applicableto the preceding embodiments as described below.

It is contemplated that the invention can simultaneously provide themeans for combinations of the embodiments described above, including butnot limited to: straightening eyeglasses and holding small devices,straightening eyeglasses and holding fashionwear, and holding smalldevices and holding fashionwear.

It is further contemplated that the disclosed invention embodiments canbe combined to form other invention embodiments. One contemplatedcombination invention comprises an elastic middle segment having avariation in thickness along its longitudinal axis length and a layeredstructure on the elastic middle segment (e.g., invention embodiment 104of FIG. 11), and further using the invention in a “stretch” position onthe eyeglass temple arm (e.g., invention embodiment 100 of FIG. 8B) toachieve more height adjustment than either invention embodiment providesalone. Another contemplated combination invention embodiment comprisesone invention embodiment having an open cavity (e.g., inventionembodiment 152 in FIG. 10A) overlapping another invention embodimentcomprising an elastic middle segment comprising a layered structure(e.g., invention embodiment 104 of FIG. 11) to achieve more heightadjustment than either invention embodiment provides alone, and alsoachieves protection of the layered structure. Numerous othercombinations of embodiments could be constructed by those skilled in theart from the embodiments described in this disclosure.

The invention is also preferably constructed to be conformable andattachable to a range of eyeglass temple arm sizes and geometries, to besoft, to be elastic (i.e., elastomeric), and to be washable.

The invention surfaces can have a surface texture on the wettablesurfaces, can be any color(s) including clear, can be opaque ortranslucent, and can contain embedded particles (e.g., “speckles”) orporosity (e.g., bubbles).

The invention's material of construction may further comprisestrengthening and/or stiffening agents (e.g., an embedded wire,particulates or fibers), as well as anti-microbial agents. Theinvention's material of construction may also be coated, impregnated orembedded with electrical, electromagnetic or magnetic shielding agents.Magnetic or electrical shielding may be important because a small devicemay generate electromagnetic radiation, a magnetic field or anelectrical current, which would be best shielded from other smalldevices, or from the wearer's body (especially the wearer's head, ears,or brain.)

FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, FIG. 14C, and FIG. 14D are a side view,cross-section view, a side view showing dimensions D1 and D2, and aperspective view of the invention in place on an eyeglass temple arm 30(e.g., invention embodiment 100), respectively, representing thedimensional characteristics of the invention. The dimension L is thelongitudinal axis length of the elastic middle segment 112 of theinvention. The dimension T is the physical thickness, or verticaldimension, of the invention's elastic middle segment 112 prior to anydeformation or stretching, which can vary along the longitudinal axislength L. The dimension W is the physical width, or horizontaldimension, of the elastic middle segment 112 prior to any deformation orstretching, which can vary along the longitudinal axis length L and thethickness T. The dimensions D1 and D2 are the depths of passageways 130and 131, respectively, prior to attachment of the invention to theeyeglass temple arm. The depth D1 may be different from depth D2 asdepicted in FIG. 6B. Note that dimensions L, T, and W in FIG. 14A, FIG.14B, FIG. 14C or FIG. 14D refer to dimensions of elastic middle segment112 prior to attachment of the invention to an eyeglass temple arm 30,or after attachment of the invention to an eyeglass temple arm 30 butprior to any deformation or stretching of the invention.

There are preferred dimensional, geometric and configurationalembodiments for the invention that provide the novel smoothly variableasymmetric height adjustment for eyeglass straightening. For example,the thickness T of the elastic middle segment, longitudinal axis lengthL of the elastic middle segment, width W of the elastic middle segment,and depths D1 and D2 of the passageways are all importantconsiderations. The material used to construct the invention and itsassociated mechanical properties, is also important. Details regardingsome of these preferred dimensional, geometric, configurational andmaterial properties of the invention and reasons for the preferredranges are provided below.

When the plane of a person's ears are not parallel to the plane of aperson's eyes, an eyeglass temple arm thickness extension of up to about20 mm may be needed to compensate for the unevenness or asymmetry. Thethickness dimension T shown in FIG. 14D therefore preferably ranges fromabout 1 mm and up to about 20 mm, depending on the needs and asymmetriesof the eyeglass wearer. There may also be a variation in thicknessdimension T along the longitudinal axis length L of elastic middlesegment 112, which provides for adjustable thickness extension of thetemple arm. Therefore the thickness can vary up to about 20 mm along thelongitudinal axis length L. The dimension T is essentially the physical,or material, thickness of the invention's elastic middle segment 112(prior to any deformation or stretching) between the ear bridge andeyeglass temple arm. As explained in the second, third and fourthinvention embodiments, further height adjustment can be achieved whenusing the invention in the stretch or bulge position, or whenoverlapping inventions.

The invention must be at least of sufficient longitudinal axis lengthalong the eyeglass temple arm 30 as it rests on the wearer's ear bridgeto provide the height adjustment benefits, and the invention must alsobe large enough to be easily manipulated by a person's fingers withoutadditional tools. If the invention is too long it cannot remain hiddenbehind the wearer's hair when providing eyeglass temple arm thicknessextension in the stretch position, for example. Also, if the inventionis too long it cannot reliably provide eyeglass temple arm thicknessextension when in the bulge position, since it becomes flimsy and cannothold the bulge shape. An invention that is too short may be difficult tomanipulate without tools. Also, an invention that is too short may notreach across the horizontal portion of the eyeglass temple arm to thecurved part of the eyeglass temple arm (i.e., the temple curve) andtherefore cannot provide eyeglass temple arm thickness extension in thestretch position. Accordingly, the preferred longitudinal axis length Lof the elastic middle segment of the invention as illustrated in FIG.14A, FIG. 14C, and FIG. 14D by invention embodiment 100 is about 5 mm toabout 60 mm. For inconspicuous asymmetric height adjustment, thepreferred longitudinal axis length L of the elastic middle segment isabout 14 mm to about 35 mm. When the invention is used for holding smalldevices or fashionwear at locations along the eyeglass temple arm not incontact with the ear bridge, the longitudinal axis length L is onlylimited by the size of the at least one small device and the at leastone fashionwear article and what can be comfortably worn by the eyeglasswearer, especially since the invention may not need to be located at aninconspicuous location along the eyeglass temple arm.

Another important advantage of this invention relates to the width ofthe invention, especially the width at the point where the inventionrests on the wearer's ear bridge. The width of the elastic middlesegment of the invention is depicted by width dimension W in crosssection FIG. 14B for invention embodiment 100. The width W must besufficient enough to provide structural support so that it can maintainshape or perhaps hold an open cavity, but should not be so large that itdeforms or spreads the user's ear away the wearer's head, making ituncomfortable to wear.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention in which theelastic middle segment is non-enclosing to the eyeglass temple arm, thewidth W of the invention is preferably about the same as the intrinsiceyeglass temple arm width (which is about 1 mm to about 10 mm,)especially at the point where the invention rests on the wearer's earbridge. The intrinsic width of an eyeglass temple arm refers to theoriginal horizontal dimension of the eyeglass temple arm when worn by aperson (e.g., see width 38 in FIG. 3C.) Note that other commercialeyeglass temple arm attachments used for stability or retention at leastpartially surround or enclose the eyeglass temple arm sides, so thewidth of the eyeglass temple arm plus the surrounding attachment willnecessarily be larger than the intrinsic eyeglass temple arm widthitself. This could lead to discomfort especially if the eyeglasses areworn for a prolonged period of time (as is usually the case.) As perthis non-enclosing embodiment of the invention, the elastic middlesegment 112 is contiguous or contactable with the lower surface of theeyeglass temple arm (40 in FIG. 3C) only, and not with the eyeglasstemple arm sides (41 in FIG. 3C.)

Accordingly, when the invention is used for asymmetric heightadjustment, the width dimension W shown in FIG. 14B is preferably about1 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably the width of the invention willbe similar to the intrinsic width of the eyeglass temple arm, especiallyat the point where the invention rests on the wearer's ear bridge, tominimize the impact to the eyeglass wearer and to the original fit andfeel of the eyeglasses. There may also be a variation in width W of theelastic middle segment of the invention along the longitudinal axislength L of the elastic middle segment 112 of the invention. The width Wcan also be tapered so that that the width of the invention resting onthe wearer's ear bridge is smaller than the width of the inventionnearer to the eyeglass temple arm. When the invention is used forholding small devices or fashionwear at locations along the eyeglasstemple arm not in contact with the ear bridge, the width dimension W isonly limited by the size of the at least one small device or the atleast one fashionwear article, and what can be comfortably worn by theeyeglass wearer.

The passageways 130 and 131 of elastic end segments 110 and 111,respectively, of the invention can have any geometry or shape to provideoptimal gripability and movability of the invention along an eyeglasstemple arm for a wide variety of eyeglass temple sizes, shapes andgeometries. As shown by FIG. 14D by invention embodiment 100, when theinvention is attached to the eyeglass temple arm 30, passageways 130 and131 will tend to take the shape of the eyeglass temple arm due to theelasticity of the invention's material. Preferred passageway geometriesare not slits, but instead may have curves or rounded corners. Slits arenot preferred for the passageways because such a design would createstress concentration at the slit end points making them prone to tearingwith repeated manipulation and adjustment along the eyeglass temple arm.For similar reasons, passageway geometries having smooth or roundededges and corners are preferred.

FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D depict various contemplatedgeometries for passageways 130 and 131 of the invention. Contemplatedgeometries of the passageways include, but are not limited to, a roundedcorner cross shape (FIG. 15A), an oval or ellipse (FIG. 15B), a roundedcorner rectangle (FIG. 15C), and a circle (FIG. 15D). Other passagewaygeometries, such as a star shape or a passageway with multiple “fingers”protruding from the outer perimeter inward toward the center of thepassageway, may be contemplated by those skilled in the art to achieveoptimal gripability of the invention to eyeglass temple arms havingdifferent geometries and sizes.

The invention passageways 130 and 131 should be able to slip ontoeyeglass temple arms having a range of intrinsic thicknesses and widths.Eyeglass temple arms have an intrinsic thickness of about 2 mm up toabout 30 mm, and intrinsic widths of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. Theelasticity of the end segments of the invention will allow thepassageways to stretch around and conform to a wide range of eyeglasstemple arm thicknesses and widths. For example, some smart glasses havewide and thick temple arms, while wire rim glasses have narrow and thintemple arms. The passageways may be constructed to have various sizes asrepresented by dimensions C1 and C2 in FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, andFIG. 15D. Referring to FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, and FIG. 15D,dimensions C1 and C2 are preferably about 0.5 mm to about 25 mm, andmore preferably about 1 mm to about 20 mm. Passageway 130 and passageway131 of the invention need not have the same size, shape or geometry.FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D are examples of geometries,but numerous other geometries are contemplated within these preferreddimensional ranges. Note that dimensions C1 and C2 in FIG. 15A, FIG.15B, FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D refer to dimensions prior to attaching theinvention to an eyeglass temple arm 30 (i.e., prior to any deformationor stretching.)

The passageway depths D1 and D2 are also important (see FIG. 14C.) Thesedepths are essentially the thickness of the material that surrounds theeyeglass temple arm when attached. If depth D1 or D2 is too large thenthe invention becomes more difficult to attach and detach from theeyeglass temple arm, and the invention may not easily move along theeyeglass temple arm due to the increased contact area with the eyeglasstemple arm and therefore the increased frictional forces that must beovercome in order for the wearer to move the elastic end segment. Ifdepth D1 or D2 is too shallow then the passageway will not provideadequate gripability of the elastic end segments to the eyeglass temple.Accordingly, there are depths D1 and D2 that provide preferredgripability and movability of the elastic end segments along theeyeglass temple arm. The preferred depths D1 and D2 for the inventionare about 1 mm to about 7 mm, and more preferably these depths are about1.5 mm to about 5 mm. The depths D1 and D2 would typically be the same,but they could be different within these preferred ranges depending onthe particular design embodiment of the invention.

Preferred orientations of the formed passageways 130 and 131 (i.e., theorientation of the passageways when the parts were formed and prior toattaching the invention to the eyeglass temple arm) relative to thelongitudinal axis of the invention's one-piece body 700 includeperpendicular (FIG. 16A) and parallel (FIG. 16B). The first elastic endsegment and second elastic end segment comprising passageways 130 and131 that are formed perpendicular (e.g., when the invention is molded or3D-printed) to the longitudinal axis of the invention's one-piece body700 are then flexed so that the passageways are parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the eyeglass temple arm to attach the invention toan eyeglass temple arm, which is facilitated by the elasticity of thefirst elastic end segment and second elastic end segment.

Passageways 130 and 131 that are formed in the invention segment ends110 and 111, respectively, parallel to the longitudinal axis of theinvention's one-piece body 700 (as shown in FIG. 16B) would not need tobe flexed as much as perpendicularly-formed passageways (shown in FIG.16A) to attach the invention to the eyeglass temple arm, since thepassageways in FIG. 16B are already substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the eyeglass temple arm. However, passageways 130and 131 that are formed perpendicular to the longitudinal length axis ofthe invention's one-piece body (and to the longitudinal length axis ofthe elastic middle segment) can provide improved manufacturability andreduced manufacturing cost of invention since removable pins may not beneeded during the molding process. Removable pins and more complicatedproduction tooling/procedures are likely needed in the molding processif the passageways 130 and 131 are formed parallel to the longitudinallength axis of the invention's one-piece body as is also the case forother eyeglass temple arm attachments of columnar or tubular designs.

In another embodiment of this invention, the two elastic end segments,110 and 111, may further comprise graspable tabs. The graspable tabs 120and 121 of the invention shown in FIG. 14A for invention embodiment 100,for example, may have any size, shape or geometry. Graspable tabs canprovide the means for the wearer to more easily attach, detach, move andadjust the two elastic end segments 110 and 111 along the eyeglasstemple arm. Further, the graspable tabs 120 and 121 may comprise awettable surface having any texture, or may comprise at least one raisedtactile structure (e.g., at least one rib) to provide varying degrees ofgraspability.

The elastic middle segment 112 of the invention may comprise at leastone open cavity 113 (e.g., see FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, invention embodiment102). The at least one open cavity 113 can be any shape or geometry thatcan be accommodated by the size of the elastic middle segment 112 of theinvention. The at least one open cavity 113 can be sized to receive andprotectively hold at least one small device, at least one fashionweararticle, or combinations thereof. The at least one open cavity 113 canalso allow another invention's elastic middle segment to fit inside(i.e., “nest”), so that two inventions can overlap. FIG. 17A, FIG. 17B,FIG. 17C and FIG. 17D are top views of invention embodiments 102 a, 102b, 102 c, and 102 d showing elastic middle segment 112 comprisingvarious geometries and configurations of the at least one open cavity113. FIG. 17A depicts a substantially elliptical top view shape for opencavity 113, FIG. 17B depicts a substantially rectangular top view shapefor open cavity 113, FIG. 17C depicts two open cavities 113 havingdifferent geometries, and FIG. 17D depicts three open cavities 113having different geometries. Various other configurations and geometriescan be contemplated by those skilled in the art. The depth of the atleast one open cavity 113 of elastic middle segment 112 may also varyalong the longitudinal axis length of elastic middle segment 112.

It is further contemplated that the opening for the at least one opencavity 113 can be on any side of the elastic middle segment 112. Forexample, the opening for the at least one open cavity could be on theside of elastic middle segment proximal to the eyeglass temple arm, onthe side of the elastic middle segment distal to the eyeglass templearm, or on any other side or surface of the elastic middle segment.

It is also contemplated that the outer edges or surfaces of theinvention that may contact the head, face or ear of the wearer can berounded or contoured to provide comfort to the wearer.

The invention is intended for use with eyeglasses for prolonged periodsof time without causing skin irritation. Accordingly, the material ofconstruction used for the invention, at least the material of theinvention that is contact with the wearer's skin, is preferably anelastomeric biocompatible polymer material. In this context,biocompatible refers to a material that comprises non-toxic andnon-irritating properties and is incapable of producing allergicreactions to a significant degree under normal conditions of use.

The invention may also be used along with other eyeglass attachmentsdesigned for comfort and retention on the eyeglass wearer's head. Inparticular, the invention can be movably attached over such attachmentsto provide the added benefit of eyeglass straightening.

It is understood by those skilled in the art that a reference to elasticor elastomeric materials of construction include, but are not limitedto, silicones, silicone co-polymers and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).Various types of silicones such as room temperature vulcanized (RTV),high temperature vulcanized (HTV), liquid silicone rubbers, 1-part,2-part, acetoxy cured, alkoxy cured, oxime cured, peroxide cured,moderate and high temperature cured, platinum-catalyzed cured, andtin-catalyzed cured are contemplated. Examples of thermoplasticelastomers contemplated for this invention include, but are not limitedto, styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin elastomers, polyurethanes,copolyesters, and polyamides. The invention should be formable from thepreferred elastomeric materials of construction using appropriateproduction processes including, but not limited to, molding,3D-printing, cutting, and carving.

The preferred Shore hardness durometer of silicones used for thisinvention's material of construction, as measured per ASTM standardD2240 or equivalent, is between about 20 Type A and 40 Type A. Thepreferred elongation of silicones used for this invention's material ofconstruction, as measured per ASTM standard D412 or equivalent, isgreater than about 250%. The preferred tear strength of silicones usedfor this invention's material of construction, as measured per ASTMstandard D624 or equivalent, is greater than about 75 pounds-force perinch (ppi).

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited only to theabove-mentioned embodiments, and may be subjected to variousmodifications and alterations. For example, FIG. 4A depicts the elasticmiddle segment 112 of the invention as a single substantially roundedshape, but various shapes for elastic middle segment 112 arecontemplated and are not limited to a single substantially roundedshape. Also, in each invention embodiment described above illustratingthe invention attached to an eyeglass temple arm 30 (e.g., FIG. 3A), itis understood that the invention can also be applied to either (i.e.,right or left) eyeglass temple arm.

Although this invention has been described in specific detail withreference to the enclosed detailed description and inventionembodiments, it will be understood that many variants, modifications andcombinations of the invention embodiments may be effected within thespirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An attachment for eyeglasses, theeyeglasses comprising an eyeglass temple arm, the attachment foreyeglasses comprising: a one-piece body; a first elastic end segmentcomprising a first elastic end segment passageway configured to surroundand movably grip said eyeglass temple arm; a second elastic end segmentcomprising a second elastic end segment passageway configured tosurround and movably grip said eyeglass temple arm; and an elasticmiddle segment disposed between said first elastic end segment and saidsecond elastic end segment; wherein: said elastic middle segment andsaid one-piece body have a longitudinal axis; said elastic middlesegment longitudinal axis has an elastic middle segment longitudinalaxis length; said elastic middle segment comprises a variable thicknessalong said elastic middle segment longitudinal axis length; and furtherwherein: said first elastic end segment passageway and said secondelastic end segment passageway are configured to securely hold saidattachment for eyeglasses at various positions along said eyeglasstemple arm; said various positions are selected from the groupconsisting of: a) displacement positions wherein said elastic middlesegment is not contiguous with said eyeglass temple arm, and b) anominal position wherein said elastic middle segment is contiguous withsaid eyeglass temple arm.
 2. The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 1,wherein said elastic middle segment is non-enclosing to said eyeglasstemple arm.
 3. The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 1, in which saidelastic middle segment further comprises at least one open cavity. 4.The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 1, in which said first elasticend segment and said second elastic end segment each further comprise agraspable tab.
 5. The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 1, in whichsaid elastic middle segment further comprises a layered structure. 6.The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 1, further comprising a textureon wettable surface of said attachment for eyeglasses.
 7. The attachmentfor eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein said attachment for eyeglasses isconstructed from a material selected from the group consisting ofsilicone, silicone co-polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, andelastomeric biocompatible polymers.
 8. The attachment for eyeglasses ofclaim 1, wherein the first elastic end segment passageway and the secondelastic end segment passageway are formed perpendicular to said elasticmiddle segment longitudinal axis.
 9. The attachment for eyeglasses ofclaim 1, wherein the first elastic end segment passageway and the secondelastic end segment passageway are formed parallel to said elasticmiddle segment longitudinal axis.
 10. The attachment for eyeglasses ofclaim 4, in which said graspable tab further comprises at least oneraised tactile structure.
 11. The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 7,in which said material further comprises at least one agent selectedfrom the group consisting of strengthening, stiffening, anti-microbial,electrical shielding, electromagnetic shielding, and magnetic shielding.12. The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 7, in which said materialfurther comprises at least one of bubbles, speckles, particles, andcolors.
 13. The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 7, wherein thematerial selected from the group consisting of silicone, siliconeco-polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, and elastomeric biocompatiblepolymers is silicone, and wherein said silicone has a Shore hardnessdurometer between about 20 Type A and about 40 Type A.
 14. Theattachment for eyeglasses of claim 13, wherein said silicone has anelongation greater than about 250%.
 15. The attachment for eyeglasses ofclaim 1, wherein the elastic middle segment holds at least onefashionwear article selected from the group consisting of artwork,jewelry, stones, jewels, perfume diffusers, logos and trademarks. 16.The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the elastic middlesegment holds at least one small device.
 17. An attachment foreyeglasses, the eyeglasses comprising an eyeglass temple arm, theattachment for eyeglasses consisting of: a first one-piece componentcomprising: a first elastic end segment having a passageway thatsurrounds and movably grips said eyeglass temple arm; a second elasticend segment having a passageway that surrounds and movably grips saideyeglass temple arm; and an elastic middle segment that is displaceableaway from said eyeglass temple arm and disposed between said firstelastic end segment and said second elastic end segment; and a secondone-piece component comprising: a first elastic end segment having apassageway that surrounds and movably grips said eyeglass temple arm; asecond elastic end segment having a passageway that surrounds andmovably grips said eyeglass temple arm; and an elastic middle segmentthat is displaceable away from said eyeglass temple arm and disposedbetween said first elastic end segment and said second elastic endsegment; wherein: said first elastic end segment and second elastic endsegment of said first one-piece component are disposed between saidfirst elastic end segment and second elastic end segment of said secondone-piece component along said eyeglass temple arm; and said elasticmiddle segment of said first one-piece component is disposed betweensaid eyeglass temple arm and said elastic middle segment of said secondone-piece component.
 18. The attachment for eyeglasses of claim 17,wherein said elastic middle segment of said second one-piece componentis disposed between said elastic middle segment of said first one-piececomponent and an eyeglass wearer's ear.